Leggett & Platt Donates $150,000 To Children's Haven

JOPLIN, MO – Diversified manufacturer Leggett & Platt announced today that it has donated $150,000 to Children's Haven as part of a previously announced $1 million pledge to aid the Joplin community following the May 22, 2011, tornado. Leggett & Platt's contribution will help advance Children's Haven's mission of providing refuge to children with families undergoing crisis. Construction of a new home will provide a larger, improved Children's Haven facility, and Leggett's donation helps fund the expansion.

After the tornado, demand for the Children's Haven's crisis care services more than doubled, and the average length of stay quadrupled. Since then, Children's Haven has experienced a sustained 40% increase in need for their services. Children's Haven anticipates it will serve more than 400 children in 2012 – a number limited only by the space available. While the dedicated staff has always worked to meet the needs of all the children they serve, the increased space of the new facility will allow them to house 24 children, compared to their current 12 capacity. This new home, with additional bedrooms, family visiting room and a safe room that will double as indoor activity space, will more efficiently provide for the needs of all children who need a safe place to stay.

Storm affected families face many additional challenges that increase the need for a temporary haven for children. Unfortunately, disaster experts predict such needs and challenges to continue rising over the next 5 years as the stress lingers. The new facility, slated to be completed in 2013, will allow Children's Haven to meet many more needs.

"Leggett & Platt has been an integral supporter since our organization's inception. This donation to build a new home is a generous reflection of their continued partnership including employees volunteering time to provide meals, expertise sharing through service on our Board of Directors, multi-year financial commitments for operating expenses and product donations to ensure the children have comfortable beds to sleep in. We can all rest easier knowing that thanks to Leggett & Platt the safety net for Southwest Missouri families is widening to protect an increased number of children left vulnerable from the May 22 devastation" said Stephanie Theis, Children's Haven's Executive Director.

To donate to this project or support Children's Haven's overall mission, visit www.childrenshaven-swmo.org for more information.

Source: Leggett & Platt

.

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.